Choosing to Learn

by
Frank Damazio

Life is filled with changes. The green pastures may give place to dark valleys. There may be loss of health, of property, of friends. There may be the unknown trials and valleys. As we travel the paths the Lord lays out for our lives, some lead to places we would not choose. The paths that lead to the valley experiences of life are unavoidable but these experiences become rich in hidden treasures.

God is present with His people in all their dangers and troubles and that presence of His is the ground of confidence. Every valley becomes a school of the Spirit to teach us, change us and sometimes break us so that we may walk in a new power and a new spirit.

A valley is a low point or condition. Geographically, it is an area or lowland between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it. A valley experience denotes a time when we as believers go through spiritually dry times. It may cause discouragement, depression, doubt and thoughts of giving up, quitting or turning back. A feeling of abandonment or confusion may cover your mind, along with the question: “Where is God?”

There are some common misconceptions about valleys.

1. Since you are a Christian, your valley experiences will always be solvable.

2. All your valleys are clearly addressed in the Bible.

3. You are simply unspiritual if you have valley experiences after you become a Christian.

4. Being exposed to strong Bible teaching guarantees all your valley troubles will be solved automatically.

The reality is that valleys present an opportunity to learn, and it is your choice to learn or refuse to learn. Every valley becomes a school of the Spirit to teach us, change us and sometimes break us so that we may walk in a new power and a new spirit.

Here are some choices you should make when in the valley to maximize the experience.

1. Choose to learn from every valley.

2. Live in rhythm with valleys and mountains.

3. Practice the principles of God’s Word while in the valley.

4. Understand that living a life with mission includes valley visits.

5. Don’t refuse to believe you are in a valley by trying to ignore it.

6. Don’t hurry through the valley to get to the next mountain peak.

7. Don’t blame someone or something for your valley time.

8. Pace yourself and brace yourself with faith and prayer, knowing you will get through the valley because others have gone before you and have made it to the top again.

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